Rabies Confirmed in Bat in Trinity Bay Area

The Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands has confirmed a case of rabies in a bat in the Trinity Bay area, marking only the second time the disease has been detected in a bat in the province.

Officials said the previous confirmed case occurred in Cartwright in 2004.

While the detection has prompted a public advisory, the department said there is currently no elevated risk to public or animal health. Rabies is a fatal disease that affects mammals and is most commonly spread through the bite of an infected animal.

According to the department, rabies occurs naturally at low levels within healthy bat populations, typically affecting between 0.5 and one per cent of bats. The recent case serves as a reminder that rabies can be present wherever bats are found and that any interaction with bats should be treated seriously.

Residents are being urged to exercise caution around bats and seek immediate medical assessment if they or their animals have had close contact with one. Close contact includes being bitten, scratched or touched by a bat, finding a bat inside a home, or finding a bat in the room of a person who may not be able to reliably determine whether they were bitten, such as a young child or someone with certain medical conditions.

Anyone who has had close contact with a bat is advised to seek medical attention by calling 811, contacting a primary care provider, or visiting an emergency department. Health officials noted that people determined to be at risk of rabies exposure are strongly encouraged to receive treatment to prevent the disease.

The province also reminded pet owners to take precautions. If a pet, such as a cat, brings a bat into a home, the animal should be examined by a veterinarian and the bat collected for testing. Officials continue to recommend rabies vaccinations for pets.

Residents are also being asked to avoid animals displaying signs that may be consistent with rabies, including unusual behaviour, staggering, frothing at the mouth, choking, or making unusual noises. Suspected cases in animals should be reported to a local Forestry and Wildfire office or a veterinarian.